If there’s one cookie that instantly brings the holiday cheer, it’s these Cool Whip Christmas Crinkle Cookies. Just look at them—bright splashes of red and green, dusted with snow-like powdered sugar, and those gorgeous cracks that make each cookie look like a tiny frosted snow globe.
They’re soft, chewy, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth good. The best part? They’re so easy, anyone can make them! Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a cookie swap, or just sneaking one (or three) with your morning coffee, these cookies bring joy with every bite.
A Sweet Christmas Memory Baked In Every Batch
Every December, our kitchen transforms into a sugar-dusted workshop of happiness. These crinkle cookies are always the first to bake—and the first to disappear. I remember my kids peeking through the oven glass, eyes wide, watching those little dough balls puff up and crack open like Christmas morning surprises.
We’d laugh over who made the prettiest one and sneak a warm cookie off the tray before they cooled. That’s the kind of memory these cookies bring: cozy, magical, and full of love.
What Are Crinkle Cookies, Anyway?
Crinkle cookies are named for the signature “crackled” appearance that happens when the dough spreads in the oven while being coated in powdered sugar. The outside stays sugary and slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and tender.
They’re like the cozy sweater of the cookie world—comforting, sweet, and just festive enough to make your day brighter.
Why Use Cool Whip in Cookies?
Now this is where the real magic happens.
Cool Whip doesn’t just make your pies fluffy—it gives these cookies their soft, pillowy texture. It acts as both a fat and an aerator, meaning you can skip the oil or butter completely and still get perfectly chewy cookies. Cool Whip makes them ultra-light and slightly creamy inside. You won’t even miss the butter. Promise.
Plus, it helps keep the dough sticky and soft, so when it bakes, the cookies crack beautifully and develop that snowy finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Matter)
Let’s break down the short but mighty list of ingredients.
Cake Mix: The Easy Shortcut
Start with a 15.25 oz box of white or vanilla cake mix. This gives you the sweet vanilla base without needing flour, sugar, or leavening. It’s a holiday time-saver, and no one will guess your cookies came from a box mix base.
Cool Whip: The Secret Softness
You’ll need 1 cup of Cool Whip, thawed. Don’t use frozen—it needs to be soft so it mixes easily. The result is a light, airy dough and perfectly soft cookies every time.
Egg & Vanilla: For Texture and Flavor
A single large egg binds everything together, while ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warmth and richness to round out the sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: For That Crinkle Finish
1 cup of powdered sugar gives these cookies their iconic “snowy” crackle. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes the magic happen.
Red & Green Sanding Sugar: Holiday Vibes All Around
Dip the tops of your cookie balls into red and green sanding sugar. This gives that beautiful sparkle you see in the photo and makes your cookies pop on the plate.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Cool Whip Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Let’s walk through it together—this won’t take long, but oh, it’ll be worth it.
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
- 1 cup Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir it all together until you have a thick, sticky dough. It might look like it’ll never come together at first, but trust the process—just keep stirring!
Step 2: Chill for Easy Rolling
This dough is sticky, so pop it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. It’ll firm up just enough to scoop and roll without a mess.
Bonus tip: If you’re making a big batch, you can chill it overnight.
Step 3: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Grab a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Then drop it into a bowl of powdered sugar and coat it generously. This is how you get that signature snowy crinkle.
Make sure it’s fully covered—no dough should peek through.
Step 4: Dip in Holiday Sparkles
Once coated in powdered sugar, gently dip the tops into red or green sanding sugar. You don’t need to press too hard—just a little tap to add that pop of color.
Want to match the photo perfectly? Do half in green and half in red so your cookie plate is merry and bright!
Step 5: Bake to Festive Perfection
Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread a little, so give them room to breathe.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are cracked and puffed but the centers are still a bit soft. Don’t overbake—you want them tender!
Step 6: Cool Before You Devour
These cookies are super soft right out of the oven, so let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Resist the urge to dive in immediately—they firm up as they cool and become perfectly chewy.
Tips for Perfect Crinkles Every Time
- Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps the cookies keep their shape.
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizes (they bake more evenly).
- Coat generously in powdered sugar—this ensures deep cracks and a snowy finish.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep the bottoms golden.
- Let cool fully before storing, or they’ll become too moist.
Add Your Own Holiday Twist
Want to make these even more festive? Try one of these add-ins:
- Peppermint Extract: Add ¼ tsp for a cool, minty flavor.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle on top before baking for crunch and color.
Storage Tips: Keep Them Soft & Chewy
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
Pop a slice of bread in the container to help keep them extra moist.
Freezing Dough for Later
Want to prep ahead? Roll the dough into balls, coat in sugar, and freeze unbaked on a tray. Once frozen, store in a bag and bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Holiday Gifting Idea: Cookie Boxes of Joy
Package these cookies in a festive tin with ribbon, add a handwritten tag, and boom—perfect neighbor, teacher, or hostess gift. Add a little hot cocoa packet and you’re officially the holiday MVP.
Print
Cool Whip Christmas Crinkle Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Category: Christmas Desserts
Description
🎄 Soft, snowy, and magically festive! ✨ These crinkle cookies puff up beautifully, crack with charm, and bring instant Christmas cheer with every bite. Perfect for gifting, parties, or cozy winter nights by the tree. 🍪❤️
Ingredients
1 box vanilla or white cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Red sanding sugar
Green sanding sugar
Instructions
Combine the cake mix, Cool Whip, egg, and vanilla in a bowl until a thick and sticky dough forms. (⏱️ 2 minutes)
Chill the dough in the refrigerator to firm it up for easier handling. (⏱️ 20–30 minutes)
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll each one generously in powdered sugar. (⏱️ 3 minutes)
Dip the tops lightly into red or green sanding sugar for a festive sparkle. (⏱️ 2 minutes)
Place each dough ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. (⏱️ 1 minute)
Bake at 350°F (175°C) until puffed, cracked, and soft in the center. (⏱️ 10–12 minutes)
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet as they’re delicate while warm. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Notes
Make sure the Cool Whip is fully thawed so it mixes smoothly.
The dough will be sticky — chilling it is essential for easy rolling.
For brighter color, press the tops into sanding sugar twice.
Cookies will look soft when they come out; they firm up as they cool.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 cookies
- Calories: 110 kcal
Kid-Friendly Baking Activity
Let the kids roll the dough in sugar and dip in the sanding sprinkles. It’s a fun, messy, memory-making activity they’ll talk about every Christmas. Plus, it teaches them that baking is love—rolled in sugar and baked at 350.
You may also like :
White Chocolate Christmas Cookie Truffles Recipe (Festive, Easy & No-Bake!)
🎄 Christmas Lush Layer Dessert Recipe: A Festive, Creamy, Colorful Holiday Treat!
Cool Whip Cookie Variations You’ll Love
Once you’ve nailed these, try swapping flavors:
- Chocolate Cake Mix + Peppermint Sugar
- Strawberry Cake Mix + Pink Sparkles
- Lemon Cake Mix + Yellow Sanding Sugar
Each one gives a new twist on the classic.
Conclusion: Make These a New Holiday Tradition
There’s just something magical about these Cool Whip Christmas Crinkle Cookies. They’re simple enough to make on a snowy afternoon, but pretty enough to impress your whole cookie exchange crew. They sparkle, they crackle, and most importantly—they taste like a warm holiday hug.
Whether it’s your first time baking or your fiftieth, these cookies will make your kitchen smell amazing and your heart feel full. Bake them once, and they’ll be on your Christmas must-make list forever.
Similar recipes :
Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
🎄 Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls: The Ultimate No-Bake Holiday Treat
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Not recommended—homemade whipped cream doesn’t have the same stability. Stick with Cool Whip for the best texture.
2. What cake mix flavor works best?
Vanilla or white cake mix works best for those festive red and green sparkles to stand out. Chocolate also works but hides the colors a bit.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and double-check that your Cool Whip and sprinkles are GF-certified.
4. How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of white bread. The cookies absorb the moisture from the bread and stay soft longer.
5. Can I double or triple the recipe for parties?
Absolutely! These scale beautifully—just mix in batches if needed so the dough stays manageable.
